DETACHABLE ELECTRODE AND ANCHOR

• US 20140148675A1
• Filed: 09/25/2013
• Published: 05/29/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 11/27/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Biotronik SE & Company KG
• Original Assignee: Biotronik SE & Company KG
• Inventors: Ayton, Michael J., Wenzel, Matthias, Nordstrom, Karl
• Granted Patent: US 9,308,365 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/375
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/057 Anchoring means; Means for fixing the head inside the heart
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/059 Anchoring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37205 Microstimulators, e.g. implantable through a cannula
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37518 Anchoring of the implants, e.g. fixation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators

Abstract

A detachable electrode and anchor utilized with electrode leads and leadless medical implants that enable explantation of the electrode while leaving the anchor in place. The detachable electrode and anchor utilizes a detachable mechanism that detachably couples the electrode to the anchor. Embodiments do not require removal of existing scar tissue before explantation, which minimize chances of internal bleeding at the extraction site. Embodiments also minimize impact on the vein in which the electrode lead travels by eliminating use of a necessarily larger diameter sheath that is utilized around the electrode lead to remove the electrode lead and attached anchor.

Claims

1. A detachable electrode and anchor comprising:

a first detachable element;

an electrode comprising at least one electrically conductive element, wherein said electrode is coupled with said first detachable element;

an anchor comprising at least one projection configured to physically attach said anchor to tissue, wherein said anchor comprises a second detachable element; and

,

wherein said first detachable element is configured to detachably engage said second detachable element to enable said anchor to remain implanted and enable said electrode to be explanted.

2. The detachable electrode and anchor according to claim 1, wherein

said first detachable element coupled with said electrode comprises at least one radially oriented projection;

and,

said second detachable element in said anchor comprises at least one radially oriented indentation configured to engage said at least one radially outward oriented projection.

3. The detachable electrode and anchor according to claim 1, wherein

said first detachable element coupled with said electrode comprises at least one bearing;

and,

said second detachable element in said anchor comprises an indentation configured to engage said at least one bearing.

4. The detachable electrode and anchor according to claim 1, wherein

said first detachable element coupled with said electrode comprises a ring;

and,

said second detachable element in said anchor comprises an indentation wherein said indentation is configured to engage said ring.

5. The detachable electrode and anchor according to claim 1, wherein

said first detachable element coupled with said electrode comprises at least one radially inward oriented indentation;

and,

said second detachable element in said anchor comprises a ring configured to engage said at least one radially inward oriented indentation.

6. The detachable electrode and anchor according to claim 1, wherein

said first detachable element and said second detachable element are configured to be coupled together based on a radial force provided by said anchor.

7. The detachable electrode and anchor according to claim 1, wherein

said first detachable element comprises a temperature dependent hardness.

8. The detachable electrode and anchor according to claim 1, wherein

said second detachable element comprises a temperature dependent hardness.

9. The detachable electrode and anchor according to claim 1, wherein

said first detachable element and said second detachable element comprise a temperature dependent hardness.

10. The detachable electrode and anchor according to claim 1, wherein

said first detachable element coupled with said electrode comprises a first threaded element;

and,

said second detachable element in said anchor comprises a second threaded element configured to rotationally engage said first threaded element.

11. The detachable electrode and anchor according to claim 1, wherein

said first detachable element coupled with said electrode comprises a first threaded element;

said second detachable element in said anchor comprises a second threaded element configured to rotationally engage said first threaded element; and

,

wherein said at least one projection of said anchor comprises a helix of a rotational orientation that is opposite of said first and said second threaded elements;

wherein a disengagement rotational force is configured to be applied to said first and said second threaded elements, such that said disengagement rotational force applies a tightening force to said helix.

12. The detachable electrode and anchor according to claim 1, wherein

said electrode is configured to couple with an electrode lead comprising an electrical conductor.

13. The detachable electrode and anchor according to claim 1, wherein

said electrode is configured to couple with a leadless medical device.

14. A detachable electrode and anchor comprising:

a first detachable element;

an electrode comprising at least one electrically conductive element, wherein said electrode is coupled with said first detachable element and wherein said electrode is configured to be a component of an electrode lead;

an anchor comprising at least one projection configured to physically attach said anchor to tissue, wherein said anchor comprises a second detachable element; and

,

wherein said first detachable element is configured to detachably engage said second detachable element to enable said anchor to remain implanted and enable said electrode to be explanted.

15. A detachable electrode and anchor comprising

a first detachable element;

an electrode comprising at least one electrically conductive element wherein said electrode is coupled with said first detachable element and wherein said electrode is configured to be a component of a leadless implantable device;

an anchor comprising at least one projection configured to physically attach said anchor to tissue, wherein said anchor comprises a second detachable element; and

,

wherein said first detachable element is configured to detachably engage said second detachable element to enable said anchor to remain implanted and enable said electrode to be explanted.